Snow leopard cub born at Chicago area zoo

Published: Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013 5:30 a.m. CST

Caption

(AP photo)

A 2-month-old snow leopard cub born at Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield on June 13 is seen Aug. 18 in an off-exhibit den where he spending time with his mother, Sarani. He will remain there bonding with his mom before making his public debut in mid-September.

By The ASSOCIATED PRESS

BROOKFIELD – There's a new furry feline prowling around the Brookfield Zoo in suburban Chicago.

The Chicago Zoological Society, which manages the zoo, said Friday that an endangered snow leopard cub was born June 13.

The male cub now tips the scales at 10 pounds and is spending time bonding with his mother. The public will be able to see the pair starting in mid-September. Until then, they're in an off-exhibit den.

The baby is the first cub born to 3-year-old Sarani and her mate, Sabu.

Conservationists think there are between 3,500 and 7,000 snow leopards remaining in the wild. They live in mountainous areas of Asia and Russia.